Thousands of people will be heading to the same location
05:00, 22 May 2025Updated 13:05, 22 May 2025
File image of traffic on the M4(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Drivers set to travel on the M4 have been warned to expect delays as a big event coincides with bank holiday congestion.
Bath Rugby is gearing up to face Lyon in the European Rugby Challenge Cup final at the Principality Stadium, with thousands of fans expected to flood into Cardiff this weekend.
The match will start at 8pm on Friday (May 23), with gates opening at 6pm. The city’s tourism board Visit Cardiff has issued travel advice, and warns: “The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this rugby match so please plan ahead.”
GWR has also advised rail passengers to expect busy trains for the same reason, also warning of disruption on Saturday when Northampton Saints take on Union Bordeaux-Bègles in the Investec Champions Cup Final at the same location.
On the Bath-Lyon match, a spokesperson for the rail operator said: “GWR will run five additional trains, providing more than 3,000 extra seats, to help customers get home from the final.
“The extra trains will operate from Cardiff Central to Bath, Bristol, Chippenham Swindon and Westbury. Trains will, however, be extremely busy and a queueing system will be in place outside Cardiff Central to help people board trains safely.
“On the way to the match, GWR is advising fans to make their way to Bristol Temple Meads to board the larger Intercity Express Trains for a more comfortable and quicker journey. Travel early to avoid the busiest trains.”
The sporting event will coincide with even busier than usual Friday getaway traffic ahead of the bank holiday weekend. The AA has issued an amber traffic warning for the weekend, predicting more than 20 million journeys around the UK on Friday alone.
Cardiff Council advises spectators to plan their journey in advance and arrive at the venue early. In Cardiff there will be road closures throughout the day, reports Wales Online.
Transport for Wales is set to provide additional capacity on routes in and out of Cardiff on Friday 23 and Saturday 24, but trains are anticipated to be extremely busy.
Checks will be conducted at Cardiff Central before and after the event, so passengers are reminded to purchase their rail tickets prior to entering a queueing system.